Dubai, U.A.E.: Vlatko Mrvos of Croatia, an Abarth Club member, made history by driving his Abarth 595 Competizione from Croatia to Dubai. Vlatko from Buzet arrived in Dubai after a 6,000-kilometer journey and was greeted by members of the Abarth Club. The unusual journey, which lasted 20 days, demonstrates the durability of the Abarth and the desire of a car enthusiast to travel across continents by road.
On his arrival in UAE, Vlatko met members of the Abarth Club Dubai, a gathering of UAE-based enthusiasts that has grown to a membership of 117 dedicated ‘Abarthisti’ under the leadership of Abarth Club Dubai President, Tamer Nabil. The Abarth Club Dubai, Middle East’s first official Abarth enthusiasts’ organization, has been formally recognized by Stelantis, Abarth’s parent company. The club, a passionate group that meets on a regular basis to celebrate their beloved Italian sports cars, now has official status and can be found on Abarth’s global club locator.
Vlatko embarked on the incredible journey from Croatia to U.A.E. in his Abarth 595 Competizione on April 22, 2022. The trip lasted 34 days and covered 7,309 kilometres, including 20 days and 6,009 kilometres on the trip from Buzet to Dubai, as well as other days spent on various activities in Dubai and then Abu Dhabi two days later. Vlatko first visited Dubai in 2017 at the invitation of a friend and fell in love with the country’s diversity and culture. His journey began in Buzet, and first night in Zagreb, where next day he was greeted by colleagues, friends, and fellow members of the Abarth Club Croatia, with whom he formed a circle and continued to Belgrade, where he spent his second night.
“The goal of this journey had always been to have a one-of-a-kind experience in my Abarth 595, but the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the cities I passed through added value to it. I want to send the message that we are not that far from each other as we think, and I hope that this journey will bring us all closer together”, said Mrvos.
The third day of the drive began at Nis. It was followed by Skopje, Thessaloniki, Alexandroupolis, Istanbul, Amasya, Erzurum, Tabriz, Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Bandar Abbas, from where the ferry assisted Vlatko in crossing the Persian Gulf and entering Dubai and then moving on to Abu Dhabi.
Steve Molyneux, General Manager – Sales of National Auto, said, “We were overjoyed to have Vlatko take on this magnificent journey in the Abarth 595 Competizione. This was no ordinary road trip; it was an ambitious, demanding, long-distance journey through the world’s most diverse landscape, so it’s reassuring to know that the Abarth’s performance and durability can be relied on if necessary.” Since 2017, National Auto has been the Abarth dealer in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Car enthusiasts can enjoy the ultimate Abarth experience by purchasing limited editions, bespoke packages, spare parts, and accessories. Earlier this year, National Auto announced the launch of their all new boutique showroom located in City Walk Dubai, UAE. The showroom timings are from 09:00 am to 09:00 pm all days of the week.